Michael Wallace

(2:23 PM)

Hey, thanks guys for hanging in there for the Chat. Just got out of Heat practice in Miami. REady to get right to the questions now.

Jared (Virginia)

Is it just me, or are Andrew Bynum's comments regarding Kobe being taken out of context? I don't think either player went after each other, it sounded more like both acknowledged that sacrifices need to be made when multiple good players are on a team.

Michael Wallace

(2:25 PM)

I think Bynum got his point across that, initially, playing with Kobe provided him tremendous cover so that he could develop in those early years. But as Bynum's game and confidence soared, he wanted to be a bigger part of the offense in L.A. The key for Bynum is to get healthy. Until then, his side of what went down in L.A. doesn't count for much.

bill (Trenton, MI)

any chance the pistons could get involved in a pau gasol trade? Stucky, prince, and villanuava/Maxiel to LA. Gasol to a third team and draft picks, young players to detroit.

Michael Wallace

(2:27 PM)

I'm not sure what Detroit would get out of that trade other than dumping a several guys. Does it get them closer to starting over? Perhaps. But the I'm not sure that Joe Dumars has had a solid plan since he decided to get rid of Chauncey Billups a few years back for Allen Iverson.

Tyler (Athens, GA)

Michael Are the Hawks ever going to be better than being knocked out of the playoffs in the 1st round every year?

Michael Wallace

(2:29 PM)

The Hawks can't be trusted. It's that simple. They're a team that does the opposite of what's expected of them, both in good and bad ways. I've covered their playoff runs a few years ago when they gave Boston all the Celtics could handle on the way to the Finals, and then dumped Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in the first round. The Hawks have some productive pieces, but until Josh Smith proves he can be a reliable, top-tier performer in the playoffs, then the Hawks will be what they've always been. Unpredictable.

tavis walker jefferson city missouri [via mobile]

I'm a big LeBron fan have been before he even came to the league been following him since high school .. but my question is do you think the Knicks , who have already but the heat this year by 20 pts , can actually beat them in the playoffs ?

Michael Wallace

(2:31 PM)

I'm as impressed with the Knicks this season as anyone in the league. They've beaten the Heat by 20 points twice in the first month of the season, essentially. But will that translate into playoff success? There's no way to foreshadow that. I still have a hard time seeing the Heat losing to anyone in the East four times in a span of seven, high-pressured playoff games.

Omarvls (North Hollywood)

Michael, Unlike Coach Jackson I believe that D.Wade has the CHANCE to be the 3rd Greatest SG of All Time behind MJ/Kobebut he would have to win at least 1 more Championship 2 more All-Star Selections 20,000pts and play at least 4 more years

Michael Wallace

(2:34 PM)

Mark Jackson's comments about Dwyane Wade certainly made for an interesting debate last week. Jackson believes Wade is the third-best shooting guard in league history behind Jordan and Kobe. The funny thing about it is another reporter dug up a story in which Jackson, at one point a year or so ago, claimed that his former teammate, Reggie Miller, was the third-best shooting guard of all time. So I guess it just depends on which NBA market Jackson is in when he's asked that question.

Deven (New York)

Is Carmelo more motivated to win the title this year than Lebron and Co.?

Michael Wallace

(2:36 PM)

Motivation isn't something that can be tangibly measured. But what's even more vital to the Knicks' championship aspirations is that they have three guys on the roster who have won championships in Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace and Tyson Chandler. That title experience will help boost Carmelo's motivation, I'm sure.

Alex Sanchez (New York)

Hey Mike what are your comments on Jeremy Lin possibly sitting on the bench? Being from New York, I've come to like him. Also, do you think the heat will win on chrismas?

Michael Wallace

(2:40 PM)

Even before this latest headline surfaced, it was obvious to me a month ago that Jeremy Lin might not have been the best fit alongside James Harden in that backcourt. In order for Harden to operate at his best, he needs the ball in his hands at the start and finish of possessions. Jeremy Lin got away from that dynamic in New York (Carmelo) and found himself right back in the middle of the same dilemma in Houston. The good thing about him is that he's a totally unselfish player and is willing to adapt.

Charles (San Jose)

How is Jerry West being left out of that SG conversation?

Michael Wallace

(2:42 PM)

He's not left off my list. I've got West third right now behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Wade is in that next tier right now with Clyde Drexler, Reggie Miller, Allen Iverson and Co.

Jared (Virginia)

I agree with Charles. I'd take Wade over Reggie Miller (Miller was great for longer, but could never dominate a series like Wade did in '06), but West was clearly above both.

Michael Wallace

(2:44 PM)

I'd take Wade over Reggie Miller, too. But it's debatable how close the gap is between West and Wade. I think Wade closes it significantly - if not completely - if he contributes in a major way to another title or two.

Yale (CHicago)

In 2014, how does the Heat roster look? Wade, Lebron, Bosh...any of them gone?

Michael Wallace

(2:51 PM)

I don't see any of them leaving, as of right now. I just can't see it. I know what the salary cap and stiffer luxury-tax penalties suggest. But Heat owner Micky Arison has always said that he'd be inclined to spend into the luxury tax as long as the Heat had a championship-level core. I believe he's as committed to this Big 3 project in Miami now as he was when the Heat's front-office staff went on that recruiting trip in the summer of 2010 to chase LeBron.

JD (New York)

Hey Mike,Big fan since back in your Herald days. Question for you on the Heat - what are you seeing from Cole and Harris in practice that shows they are ready to eat more into Chalmers minutes? I think these kids have upside and need the chance to play.

Michael Wallace

(2:53 PM)

Norris Cole has already accomplished plenty toward the goal of eating into Mario Chalmers' minutes. Miami hasn't gotten much consistent offense out of the point guard position, but Norris has earned his playing time with his energy and effort on the defensive side of the ball. Mario still has plenty to prove if he wants to be the Heat's full-time starting point guard beyond this season.

Dan (Kansas)

Do you see Charlotte reclaiming the Hornets name?

Michael Wallace

(2:54 PM)

I've seen the reports that Michael Jordan has interest in reclaiming the Hornets name and ditching the Bobcats, which was the nickname that honored previous owner Bob Johnson. If I'm Mike, I might prefer the Charlotte Flight.

Toxx (315} [via mobile]

K.love and D. Williams for Iguodala and Faried. Who says no?

Michael Wallace

(2:56 PM)

I know this is strictly hypothetical. So I'd say Minnesota says no first. The only superstar in his prime among that group of players is Kevin Love. You'd think he'd command a bit more than what Denver would be sending back.

D. Brown (NYC)

Can Steph Curry carry GS into the playoffs or do you see the Warriors cooling off as the season progresses?

Michael Wallace

(2:58 PM)

If their key guys stay healthy, which is hardly a certainty when dealing with the Warriors, then this current team has what it takes to claim one of the final spots out West. It will be interesting to see what Andrew Bogut can add to the equation when he returns from injury. But they have the offense and decent enough depth to make it interesting out West.

Emran (Ohio)

Any hope for the sixers since Bynum's knees are gone?

Michael Wallace

(3:01 PM)

Depends on your definition of "hope." Will they still make the playoffs and, perhaps, scare a first-round opponent with the threat of an upset? Absolutely. But the Sixers need a healthy, committed and motivated Bynum to do any real damage in the East. And it's a shame he's not physically ready because the East, beyond the top two seeds, is completely up for grabs. The fact is Philly may never see a completely healthy Bynum in its uniform. But that team is building a foundation the right way and should have decent cap room to regroup if Bynum ends up elsewhere when he's a free agent at the end of the season.

Bob (Denver)

Any chance that the Bulls try and trade for Kevin Love seeing how he hates being a timberwolve?

Michael Wallace

(3:02 PM)

I certainly see the Bulls making a push if Love is truly available. They'd have to stand in line, of course. And I'm not so sure how willing Minnesota is to part with him at this point.

Omar (Nevada)

Are Jrue Holiday and Kyrie Irving the future?

Michael Wallace

(3:03 PM)

They're a pretty good "present" too.

Michael Wallace

(3:05 PM)

That's my time for this week's chat. Thanks for joining me, and I look forward to reconnecting next week for another dose of great questions and takes from you guys on the chat. Until then, happy holidays and peace. MW